Letter: Citizens can join in the fight against crime
Dear Editor,
<div class="x_PlainText">As Sheriff of Perry County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us: crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families, both young and old. It is imperative that we seek progress to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.<br /> In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significant improvements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on training and professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances. An example of our plans and objectives includes:<br /> - Provide state-of-the-art training opportunities for deputies, corrections officers, jail administrator and office staff.<br /> - Continue our initiatives in specialized technical training and the latest crime-prevention measures.<br /> - Involvement in civic-minded program and services, such as providing deserving young citizens with college scholarships in the field of criminal justice.<br /> - Increased drug awareness through educational programs and services that will give individuals a fighting chance to lead more productive lives.<br /> - We hope to see fewer incidents of spousal and child abuse by further developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters and local organizations to provide counseling and support.<br /> - Maintain our goal to improve our correctional facilities, incorporating the latest security measures to remove more criminals from the streets.<br /> - Integrate special rehabilitation programs that aim to help criminals by preparing them to become productive members of society.<br /> - Implement productive activities that help children by redirecting them from illegal activity. This can be accomplished by providing relevant programs designed to better occupy their time and attention. These are the type of efforts that can provide positive influences to enable our youth to become responsible citizens.<br /> I personally want to thank all of you for supporting the Perry County Sheriff's Office and for the support of these initiatives - those in place now as well as those planned.<br /> In addition, I would like to share another unique initiative with you, the Illinois Sheriffs' Association's Associate Membership Program, a program supported by citizens and businesses committed to making our communities a safer place to live.  <br /> This important program enables citizens to make a real difference toward the aforementioned objectives. The Associate Membership Program is based on the premise that citizens and law enforcement officers can collaborate to have a direct impact in our communities. Through membership, citizens can help in a very practical way.  <br /> I invite individuals and businesses alike to support our efforts by becoming an Associate Member. Through your participation in this program, the Illinois Sheriffs' Association can help provide the resources necessary to make a difference. It is important to note that unlike other organizations in our state, our membership program does not solicit membership by telephone.<br /> Anyone interested in knowing more about this very important program may visit ilsheriff.org or call 217-753-2372.  For inquiries by mail, please write to Illinois Sheriffs' Association at <span class="contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_3544_3599" tabindex="0">401 E. Washington, Suite 1000, Springfield, Ill., 62701</span>.  We will be glad to mail additional information to interested parties. Again, if anyone calls you to solicit membership, they do not represent our organization.<br /> I strongly urge the residents of Perry County to consider participating in this honorable program - not only for its monetary support of law enforcement, but also for the moral support that unites us in building a safer community.  <br /> <br /> <br /><strong> Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis</strong></div>